Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
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  1. New Orleans Times-Picayune
    Reviewed by: Mike Scott
    Dec 1, 2011
    100
    His a wonderful, touching story, one that made me want to scoop up every kid I know who has a scrap of creative talent, and have them watch the film. Because Elmo's story is sweet -- but Clash's is nothing short of inspiring.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    Nov 2, 2011
    100
    A marvelous movie.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Justin Lowe
    Oct 16, 2011
    90
    Being Elmo is a rare documentary that will connect across generations and cultures to delight viewers worldwide for years to come.
  4. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Carrie Rickey
    Oct 27, 2011
    88
    Though one gets a sense there is part of the story Marks isn't telling, we do pay attention to the man behind the curtain.
  5. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    Nov 23, 2011
    83
    It might have poked a bit more into Clash's personal story, but as a story of man and puppet it's grand.
  6. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    Oct 21, 2011
    83
    The greater the illusion the greater the manipulator, and few are as good as Kevin Clash, the subject of Constance Marks's sprightly six-years-in-the-making documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Noel Murray
    Oct 19, 2011
    83
    The moral to Clash's story? It's surprisingly easy being red.
  8. indieWIRE
    Reviewed by: Eric Kohn
    Oct 17, 2011
    83
    Despite its predictably cheery vibe, Being Elmo implies a certain darkness lingering beneath the surface of Clash's life.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. micahmann
    8
    Great documentary about a young boy who grows up, builds his own puppets, falls in love with Seasame Street, and then creates the muppet, Elmo. Inspirational, touching story that brought back my own childhood memories of The Mulpet Show, Dark Crystal, Captain Kangaroo, and heart-breakingly, the day Jim Henson died at the young age of 53.… Full Review »
  2. Sir_Brandon
    9
    The name Elmo is recognizable worldwide. The furry, sweet, and cute red puppet is an icon, but do you know who the man is that gives Elmo his signature voice? Being Elmo: A Puppetteer's Journey introduces us to Kevin Clash, the first African-American to work as a Muppeteer and the heart and soul of Elmo. He came from Baltimore with a dream to work with Jim Henson and now is a pivotal piece in the Sesame Street puzzle.

    As a kid, Clash was inspired by television shows such as Captain Kangaroo and, of course, Sesame Street, and his passion became making puppets and letting them come to life. He watched and observed what he saw on these shows and spent a lot of his high school days perfecting his craft. He got his big break by performing his puppeteering on a local TV show and from there the sky was the limit. Or for his case it was working with the one and only Jim Henson. Not only does Clash get to meet and work for him, but they form a friendship before Henson passed away.

    Directors Constance Marks and Philip Shane put together a captivating and engaging documentary for all ages. It is a gentle, sweet, and inspiring story about a man who pursued his dreams and achieved it. Now this doesn't mean he hasn't made sacrifices or missed some valuable time with his daughter because he has. It hasn't been easy and making puppets in high school is certainly going to get you teased and made fun of, but Clash lets nothing or no one stand in his way, and has amazing support from his parents which some children are not lucky enough to get. Seeing how much Elmo means to Clash is heart touching, but what Elmo means to kids is just mind-blowing. And when a sick child's one wish is to meet Elmo, Clash still can't believe he gets to play a part in making it come true.

    This documentary is infectious and moving on so many levels. Clash is a genius when it comes to his puppeteering, but is also just a nice, genuine guy who loves what he does. He carries on the dedication, passion, and magic that Henson started. Being Elmo is uplifting and only proves that you really can do anything you want, but you must have the focus and hard work or you may just keep reaching for a dream and never actually grabbing it. You just can't go wrong with a feel-good film like this, and the fact that it is a true story makes it that much better.    … Full Review »
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